Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Tribal
Destinations
Malaysia

Step off the beaten path and discover a remote culture when you take this nine-day Exploring Sarawak trip. Chat and stay with local tribespeople in rarely-visited areas, untouched by the modern world. Stroll through the rainforest and enjoy Borneo’s natural beauty. Step back in time as you travel to Kuching, Batang Ai and Bario.  

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Kuching: The best introduction to Borneo is with a sightseeing tour of Kuching, visiting sites such as the Sarawak Cultural Village and the Ethnology Museum, plus the city's quirky cat statues.

• Orangutans: Batang Ai National Park has the highest density of organutans in Central Borneo, making it the perfect place to explore the rainforest, encounter organutans in the wild and learn about eco-tourism.

• Indigenous Bornean Cultures: Your hosts include members of the Kelabit community, a former headhunting tribe now known for their friendliness and hospitality; and the Bidayu, known for their traditional longhouses.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Kuching

Fly into ancient Kuching, a quaint city resting along the banks of the Sarawak River in Borneo’s North West. The city was once the stomping grounds of powerful sultans. Connect through either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Check in to your hotel and unwind. 

Hotel Options
About

With a stunning view of the Sarawak River, Hilton Kuching offers all the luxury and convenience associated with the Hilton brand along with ideal placement on Kuching's waterfront. Each room is designed to promote comfort and relaxation with LCD televisions and high speed internet service provided.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Kuching

Immerse yourself in traditional life upon visiting the Sarawak Cultural Village. The area is known as a “living museum.” View traditional life as the village and its 150 inhabitants continue life as if time were stood still. Explore Borneo’s most sophisticated city’s artistic side. Visit the quirky Cat Statues spotting the urban landscape. The Ethnology Museum has two colonial cannons outside the building - reminiscent of past times. The museum contains a rich collection of indigenous cultures. 

Kuching
Kuching

Day 3

Kuching

Discover Borneo’s ancient way of life as you visit Anah Rais - a traditional village welcoming to outsiders. Explore a Bidayuh longhouse - where nearly 1,400 people live in one extraordinarily long house. Here, you will see the integration of modern times - some parts of the longhouse even have a satellite dish. The villagers don’t pay special mind to the tourists and actually go about their everyday lives. It’s a fascinating combination of traditional life and modern times. 

Day 4

Batang Ai

A 3-4 hour drive and then boat ride will take you to Batang Ai National Park, known to have the highest orangutan population density in Central Borneo. Enjoy a peek into a rare culture, yet still find yourself in utmost comfort when you stay at the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort. The hotel is fashioned into the rustic style of traditional native Borneo design. The rooms are either in longhouse-style or a duplex suite. Batang Ai is the perfect location for relaxing and learning about Bornean culture. The resort sits two hours outside the National Park.

Hotel Options
About

Resting in the heart of Malaysia’s beautiful rainforest on Borneo Island, the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Managed by Hilton is a four-star establishment that will cater to almost every travel desire. Guests can choose from 100 accommodating suites, each equipped with stylish wood furnishings, modern décor, in-room movies, high-speed Internet, as well as a refrigerator, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Batang Ai
Batang Ai

Day 5

Batang Ai

Learn about sustainable eco-tourism at your resort before heading into the park. There are five trails in the park, taking guests through dipterocarp forest, active shifting cultivation areas, and scattered ancient burial grounds. You will be accompanied by a park ranger at all times.You have the option to take a two-hour boat ride to explore the natural beauty of Borneo’s rainforest. Return to the Batang Ai for the evening.

Day 6

Miri

Travel back to Kuching and take a short flight to Miri. It’s a bit of a journey, but well worth the reward as tomorrow you travel into Bario - a remote village located in the heart of the Kelabit Highlands.

Hotel Options
About

An outpost of the internationally renowned Marriott brand, the Miri Resort and Spa offers high standards of luxury and hospitality. Situated on a hill overlooking the South China Sea, the Miri features 220 guest rooms and suites that come with air conditioning, cable and satellite television, mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, and alarm clock.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Miri
Miri

Day 7

Bario

Explore your remote location as you chat with the local Kelabit people. Here, there are few roads, the area is at a high elevation, and the river has high rapids - these barriers prevent many from making the journey here, and thus, the tribe remains relatively unaffected by the rapidly-evolving outside world. The tribespeople are very welcoming to new people. You will gain a rare cultural insight not available to many travelers. Stay with the local people in a homestay. They will welcome you as one of the family.

Hotel Options
About

Despite a lack of hotels in Bario, travelers can find comfortable and clean rooms to overnight at various available homestays in the area. Basic amenities are provided as well as hot and cold water showers.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Bario

Learn about your hosts’ past. The tribe was once known for their headhunting raids. The practice proved one’s courage. This was also used as a revenge tactic, but it was surprisingly not used as a war tactic. Have no fear though as the tribe is now known for their friendliness and hospitality. Traipse through the highlands, exploring the beautiful landscape in pure isolation. Return back to your homestay to enjoy a meal and conversation with your hosts.

Bario
Bario

Day 9

Departure

Say goodbye to your friendly hosts as you travel onward. You have the option to fly to Miri and onward to either Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu. You may choose to spend some time relaxing on the gorgeous beaches or head home.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–3

Hilton Kuching

Hilton Kuching


With a stunning view of the Sarawak River, Hilton Kuching offers all the luxury and convenience associated with the Hilton brand along with ideal placement on Kuching's waterfront. Each room is designed to promote comfort and relaxation with LCD televisions and high speed internet service provided. Facilities include a gym, pool, florist, and barbershop. In the evening, relax at the Waterfront Cafe or sample local cuisine at Toh Yuen Restaurant before grabbing a drink at Senso Bar. Hilton Kuching is approximately 25 minutes from Kuching International Airport (KCH).


Suggested Hotel For Days 4–5

Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Managed by Hilton

Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Managed by Hilton


Resting in the heart of Malaysia’s beautiful rainforest on Borneo Island, the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Managed by Hilton is a four-star establishment that will cater to almost every travel desire. Guests can choose from 100 accommodating suites, each equipped with stylish wood furnishings, modern décor, in-room movies, high-speed Internet, as well as a refrigerator, and tea and coffee-making facilities. After settling in, patrons can swim in the spacious outdoor pool, play a game of tennis on the asphalt tennis courts, indulge in a massage at the spa and wellness center and take a stroll through the lovely garden. Other services include kids’ club and babysitting services, poolside snack bar, dry cleaning, meeting facilities, and more. After a day of excursions, enjoy a mouthwatering meal at the Nanga Mepi Restaurant. Here, guests will taste authentic Malaysian cuisine and sip exotic cocktails, while overlooking a scenic lake. 


Suggested Hotel For Day 6

Miri Marriott Resort & Spa

Miri Marriott Resort & Spa

An outpost of the internationally renowned Marriott brand, the Miri Resort and Spa offers high standards of luxury and hospitality. Situated on a hill overlooking the South China Sea, the Miri features 220 guest rooms and suites that come with air conditioning, cable and satellite television, mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, and alarm clock. The Miri hosts a number of dining venues, including the all-day Zest, which serves pasta, brick oven pizza, grilled foods, and Asian cuisine; the Borneo Baking Company, a deli that sells lighter fare; a pool terrace perfect for barbecues and casual functions; and a lobby bar with views of the nearby ocean. The Miri also boasts Sarawak’s larges outdoor free-form pool, shaped to resemble natural bodies of water; an appointment-only spa; several, nearby golf courses; a fitness center; and a number of outdoor activities, including a biking trail, scuba diving, and water skiing. The resort is about five miles northwest of Miri Airport (MYY).

Suggested Hotel For Days 7–8

Homestay

Homestay

Despite a lack of hotels in Bario, travelers can find comfortable and clean rooms to overnight at various available homestays in the area. Basic amenities are provided as well as hot and cold water showers. Take the opportunity to get to know your host family over carefully prepared home-cooked authentic meals, some of which can accommodate Halal and vegetarian requirements. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, guests can enjoy the fresh air and views of the green paddies and mountains from the verandah and in the company of welcoming, hospitable local people.

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